Noggin inhibitory compositions for ossification and methods related thereto

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to compounds and compositions for forming bone and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of forming bone comprising implanting a bone graft composition comprising a growth factor such as BMP in a subject at a site of desired bone growth or enhancement in combination with a Noggin blocker.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/446,190 filed on Feb. 24, 2011, which application is hereby incorporated by this reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Bone grafting is typically performed for spinal fusions, after cancerous bone removal, and in certain operations, e.g., plastic surgery. The iliac crest is often used as a donor site for autologous grafts. Complications collecting bone from the iliac crest include pain, nerve damage, hematoma and wound complications, avulsion of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), hematoma, herniation of the abdominal cavity contents, and cosmetic deformity. Thus, it is desirable to develop materials and methods of forming bone that do not require harvesting bone from remote sites of the patient.

Synthetic bone grafts typically include a matrix that holds minerals and other salts. Natural bone has an intracellular matrix mainly composed of type I collagen, and some synthetic bone grafts include a collagen matrix. Synthetic bone grafts typically contain bone growths factors, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), because of their ability to induce ossification in the matrix material. Recombinant human BMP-2 has been approved by the FDA in synthetic bone grafts such as INFUSE™. INFUSE™ is approved for open tibial shaft fractures, lumbar interbody fusion, and sinus and alveolar ridge augmentations. However, the high cost and need for high concentrations of BMP-2 for treatment creates a barrier for routine clinical use. Thus, there is a need to identify additional compositions that may substitute or complement the use of BMPs in treating bone-related conditions.

The protein Noggin is a BMP-specific antagonist. Noggin inhibits BMP signaling by blocking the molecular interfaces of the binding epitopes on BMP for both BMP type I and BMP type II receptors. See Groppe et al., Nature, 2002, 420, 636-642.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates to compounds and compositions for ossification and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, it is an object of this disclosure to provide certain compounds, compositions and methods of use of compounds to improve bone grafting or to induce bone formation in a subject.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of forming bone or cartilage comprising implanting a bone graft composition comprising a growth factor, such as BMP, in a subject at a site of desired bone or cartilage growth or enhancement in combination with a Noggin blocker by including the Noggin blocker in the bone graft composition and/or by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the Noggin blocker to the subject. The Noggin blocker could be used by itself without exogenous BMP.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of forming bone or cartilage comprising implanting a bone graft composition. The bone graft composition comprises a Noggin blocker optionally comprising a growth factor in a subject at a site of desired bone or cartilage growth.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of forming bone or cartilage comprising a) implanting a bone graft composition optionally comprising a Noggin blocker and optionally comprising a growth factor in a subject at a site of desired bone or cartilage growth and b) administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Noggin blocker to the subject.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to uses of compounds disclosed herein and derivatives or salts thereof for cartilage regeneration e.g., between intervertebral disc and articular, jaw, elbow, knee, ankle, wrist, and hip joints. Methods contemplate oral administration, intravenous administration, or direct injection at the desired site(s) of the subject.

In certain embodiments, the Noggin blocker is a compound disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof. In certain embodiments, the derivatives comprise one or more substituents. A typical N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivative is 3-chloro-N-(4,6-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide. A typical (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivative is 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a bone graft compositions comprising a compound disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof, and a graft matrix. Typically, the matrix comprises a collagen sponge and/or a compression resistant type I collagen and calcium phosphates. In other embodiments, the matrix is a hydrogel. In certain embodiments, the N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salt thereof is covalently linked to a graft matrix.

Within certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the compounds disclosed herein may be linked, e.g., covalently bound to the matrix, carrier, or scaffold such that a bone morphogenetic protein would be resistant to the degrading effects of Noggin in order to reduce or eliminate the use of a bone morphogenetic protein in the graft composition to induce bone growth.

In certain embodiments, the bone graft compositions further comprise a bone morphogenetic protein and/or another growth factor. Typically, the bone morphogenetic protein is BMP-2 or BMP-7. In certain embodiments, the graft composition comprises calcium phosphates and/or bone granules, hydroxyapatite and/or beta-tricalcium phosphate, alpha-tricalcium phosphate, polysaccharides or combinations thereof. Crushed bone granules, typically obtained from the subject, are optionally added to the graft composition.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to kits comprising a graft composition, a compound disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof, thereof and a graft matrix. In certain embodiments, the kits further comprise a bone morphogenetic protein and/or another growth factor. In certain embodiments, the kits further comprise a transfer device, such as a syringe or pipette.

Compositions comprising Noggin blockers may be dripped into the graft matrix, carrier, or scaffold optionally in combination with other osteogenic agents such as a mesenchymal stem cell, a bone morphogenetic protein, other bone growth factors and/or a statin.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of generating BMP-mediated osteoblasts comprising administering an effective amount of compound(s) disclosed herein to cells capable of osteoblastic differentiation, such as mesenchymal stem cells and pre-osteoblastic cells.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of forming bone comprising implanting a graft composition comprising a compound disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof, thereof in a subject under conditions such that bone forms in the graft. Typically, the subject has a void in the bony structure wherein the graft composition is implanted in the void. In certain embodiments, the void is in a bone selected from an extremity, maxilla, mandible, pelvis, spine and/or cranium. In certain embodiments, the void is a result of surgical removal of bone. In certain embodiments, the void is between bone and an implanted medical device. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of securing movement of bone structure with a fixation system, and removing the system after bone forms in the implanted graft.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of performing spinal fusion comprising implanting a bone graft composition. The bone graft composition comprises a compound disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof, configured to grow bone between two vertebrae of a subject. In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a bone morphogenetic protein and/or another growth factor. In a typical embodiment, the subject is diagnosed with degenerative disc disease or has symptoms of back pain.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of inserting a prosthetic device or anchor comprising, exposing the bone; implanting a graft composition comprising compounds disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof, in contact with the bone. In certain embodiments, one implants the prosthetic device or anchor in the graft composition. In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a bone morphogenetic protein and/or another growth factor.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In certain embodiments, the compositions further comprise a bone morphogenetic protein and/or another growth factor. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated to release over a 12 hour, 1 day, 3 day, 5 day, 7 day, two week, or one month period.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of preventing or treating a bone fracture comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition. The pharmaceutical composition comprises compounds disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to a subject at risk for, exhibiting symptoms of, or diagnosed with a bone fracture. In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a bone morphogenetic protein and/or another growth factor. In certain embodiments, the administration is localized. In certain embodiments administration is achieved through oral delivery, intravenous delivery, parenteral delivery, intradermal delivery, percutaneous delivery, or subcutaneous delivery. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of exposing the bone fracture to pulsed electromagnetic fields. In further embodiments, the subject is diagnosed with a long bone shaft fracture such as a tibia or femur fracture corrected with intramedullary nail fixation.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of preventing or treating a bone degenerative disease comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to a subject at risk for, exhibiting symptoms of, or diagnosed with a bone degenerative disease. In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a bone morphogenetic protein and/or another growth factor. In certain embodiments, the administration is systemic or administration is achieved through oral delivery, intravenous delivery, parenteral delivery, intradermal delivery, percutaneous delivery, or subcutaneous delivery. In some embodiments, the disease is osteoporosis, osteitis deformans, bone metastasis, multiple myeloma, primary hyperparathyroidism, or osteogenesis imperfecta.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods for decreasing the time required to form new bone in the presence of a bone morphogenetic protein comprising co-administering at least one compound disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a process for engineering bone tissue comprising combining a compound disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof, and optionally a bone morphogenetic protein with a cell selected from the group consisting of osteogenic cells, pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal cells, and embryonic stem cells.

Typically the Noggin blocker is used locally such as injection percutaneously at any bone formation site (fracture, spine fusion delayed a day or several days after surgery) etc. The Noggin blocker may also be bound to a matrix or scaffold and delivered with growth factors, cells (MSCs or others), or on a dry carrier matrix to direct local bone formation in the shape of the carrier/scaffold. Within certain embodiments, it is also contemplated that one or more of these compounds disclosed herein may be used alone or in combination with multiple compounds, with or without exogenous growth factors, and/or in combination with other agonists and promoting agents of the BMP pathway such as a Smurf inhibitor and/or a JAB1 inhibitor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the interactions of small molecules with Noggin and facilitate BMP to promote osteogenesis.

FIG. 2 shows data on the ability of Noggin to inhibit BMP-2 activity in a luciferase reporter assay in C2C12 cells.

FIG. 3 shows data on the counter active effects of screened compounds on Noggin inhibition of BMP-2 activity in C2C12 cells.

FIG. 4 shows data of N2, of the chemical formula 3-chloro-N-(4,6-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide, and N50, of the chemical formula 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile in a luciferase reporter assay in C2C12 cells.

FIG. 5 shows data of N2 and N50 in an ALP assay in C2C12 cells.

FIG. 6 shows data indicating potentiation of BMP-induced bone nodules by N-50 in fetal rat calvarial osteoblast primary cell cultures.

FIG. 7 shows data on N-50 derivatives. N50-062 is 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile. N50-82 is 3-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-(p-tolyl)acrylonitrile. N50-83 is 3-(3-nitrophenyl)-2-(p-tolyl)acrylonitrile. NO50-155 is 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acrylonitrile. N50-160 is 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acrylonitrile. N50-172 is 3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)acrylonitrile. N50-193 is 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(3-nitrophenyl)acrylonitrile. N50-206 is 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile. N50-214 is 2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)acrylonitrile. N50-215 is 2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3-nitrophenyl)acrylonitrile.

FIG. 8 shows data indicating N50-083 blocks function of endogenous Noggin by potentiating BMP-induced ALP activity, i.e., in the absence of exogenously added Noggin in C2C12 cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It has been discovered that certain Noggin blockers can inactivate local Noggin concentrations, making exogenous or endogenous BMP's more active. In addition, when a cell is stimulated by BMPs, it naturally responds by producing Noggin as a negative feedback loop. Controlled administrations of certain Noggin blockers can also block the Noggin produced in response to BMP's and potentiate their response. Experiments disclosed herein show that the addition of certain Noggin blockers produces a response greater than with BMP alone. Although it is not intended that certain embodiments of the disclosure be limited by any particular mechanism, it is believed that by blocking Noggin that is produced directly in response to BMP, the Noggin blocker is potentiating the effect of BMP.

Noggin is an extracellular protein that regulates the activity of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) by binding and preventing BMPs from binding cell surface receptors that initiate bone growth signaling (See FIG. 1). Noggin is produced, presumably as part of a negative feedback mechanism, when BMPs are given to cells, which may limit the effectiveness of exogenously applied BMPs. Human Noggin is (SEQ ID NO: 6) MERCPSLGVT LYALVVVLGL RATPAGGQHY LHIRPAPSDN LPLVDLIEHP DPIFDPKEKD 61 LNETLLRSLL GGHYDPGFMA TSPPEDRPGG GGGAAGGAED LAELDQLLRQ RPSGAMPSEI 121 KGLEFSEGLA QGKKQRLSKK LRRKLQMWLW SQTFCPVLYA WNDLGSRFWP RYVKVGSCFS 181 KRSCSVPEGM VCKPSKSVHL TVLRWRCQRR GGQRCGWIPI QYPIISECKC SC. Modulating Noggin interaction has the potential to either replace BMPs as a strategy to induce bone formation or to serve as a method to enhance the efficacy of BMPs in bone growth applications.

TERMS

“Ossification” refers to the process of laying down new bone by cells called osteoblasts. The term includes the growth in healing bone fractures treated by cast or by open reduction and stabilization by metal plate and screws. Ossification may also result in the formation of bone tissue in an extraskeletal location.

The term “bone morphogenetic protein” or “BMP” refers to any one of the family of growth factors or fragments thereof with the ability to induce the formation of bone and/or cartilage. The BMP receptors are typically serine-threonine kinases. It is not intended that BMP refer to any particular protein sequence and may or may not have certain glycosylation patterns attached thereto provided that the molecule has sufficient structural homology to any one of the known BMPs described below and retains some functional ability to promote bone growth, cartilage growth, or osteoblast differentiation. BMPs may be isolated from natural or non-natural sources, such as, but not limited to, recombinant or synthetic methods. References to BMPs generally or a specific BMP, e.g., BMP-2, includes recombinant or synthetically isolated versions unless otherwise provide for herein. Combinations of BMPs are contemplated. BMP-2 is known to induce bone and cartilage formation and play a role in osteoblast differentiation. BMP-3 is known to induce bone formation. BMP-4 is known to regulate the formation of teeth, limbs and bone from mesoderm and play a role in fracture repair. BMP-5 is known to function in cartilage development. BMP-6 is known to play a role in joint integrity and bone formation/repair. BMP-7 and BMP-9 are known to play a role in osteoblast differentiation. BMP-1 is a known metalloprotease that acts on procollagen I, II, and III and is involved in cartilage development.

As used herein, the term “derivative” refers to a structurally similar compound that retains sufficient functional attributes of the identified analogue. The derivative may be structurally similar because it is lacking one or more atoms, substituted, a salt, in different hydration/oxidation states, or because one or more atoms within the molecule are switched, such as, but not limited to, replacing an oxygen atom with a sulfur atom, or replacing an amino group with a hydroxyl group. The derivative may be a prodrug. Derivatives may be prepare by any variety of synthetic methods or appropriate adaptations presented in synthetic or organic chemistry text books, such as those provide in March's Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure, Wiley, 6th Edition (2007) Michael B. Smith or Domino Reactions in Organic Synthesis, Wiley (2006) Lutz F. Tietze hereby incorporated by reference.

The term “substituted” refers to a molecule wherein at least one hydrogen atom is replaced with a substituent. When substituted, one or more of the groups are “substituents.” The molecule may be multiply substituted. In the case of an oxo substituent (“═O”), two hydrogen atoms are replaced. Example substituents within this context may include halogen, hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, nitro, cyano, oxo, carbocyclyl, carbocycloalkyl, heterocarbocyclyl, heterocarbocycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, —NRaRb, —NRaC(═O)Rb, —NRaC(═O)NRaNRb, —NRaC(═O)ORb, —NRaSO2Rb, —C(═O)Ra, —C(═O)ORa, —C(═O)NRaRb, —OC(═O)NRaRb, —ORa, —SRa, —SORa, —S(═O)2Ra, —OS(═O)2Ra and —S(═O)2ORa. Ra and Rb in this context may be the same or different and independently hydrogen, halogen hydroxyl, alkyl, alkoxy, alkyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carbocyclyl, carbocycloalkyl, heterocarbocyclyl, heterocarbocycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylalkyl.

As used herein, “subject” refers to any animal, preferably a human patient, livestock, or domestic pet.

As used herein, the terms “prevent” and “preventing” include the prevention of the recurrence, spread or onset. It is not intended that the present disclosure be limited to complete prevention. In some embodiments, the onset is delayed, or the severity is reduced.

As used herein, the terms “treat” and “treating” are not limited to the case where the subject (e.g. patient) is cured and the disease is eradicated. Rather, embodiments of the present disclosure also contemplate treatment that merely reduces symptoms, and/or delays disease progression.

As used herein, the term “calcium phosphate(s)” refers to minerals containing calcium ions together with orthophosphates, metaphosphates or pyrophosphates and optionally hydroxide ions. Tricalcium phosphate is a calcium phosphate with formula Ca₃(PO₄)₂. The common mineral apatite has the basic formula Ca₅(PO₄)₃X, where X is a ion, typically a halogen or hydroxide ion, or a mixture. Hydroxyapatite refers to apatite where X is mainly hydroxide ion.

When used in reference to compound(s) disclosed herein, “salts” refer to derivatives of the disclosed compound(s) where the parent compound is modified making acid or base salts thereof. Examples of salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines, alkylamines, or dialkylamines; alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids; and the like.

As used herein, “alkyl” means a noncyclic straight chain or branched, unsaturated or saturated hydrocarbon such as those containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Representative saturated straight chain alkyls include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-septyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, and the like; while saturated branched alkyls include isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, isopentyl, and the like. Unsaturated alkyls contain at least one double or triple bond between adjacent carbon atoms (referred to as an “alkenyl” or “alkynyl”, respectively). Representative straight chain and branched alkenyls include ethylenyl, propylenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, isobutylenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, and the like; while representative straight chain and branched alkynyls include acetylenyl, propynyl, 1-butyryl, 2-butyryl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-methyl-1-butyryl, and the like.

Non-aromatic mono or polycyclic alkyls are referred to herein as “carbocycles” or “carbocyclyl” groups. Representative saturated carbocycles include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and the like; while unsaturated carbocycles include cyclopentenyl and cyclohexenyl, and the like.

“Heterocarbocycles” or heterocarbocyclyl” groups are carbocycles which contain from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur which may be saturated or unsaturated (but not aromatic), monocyclic or polycyclic, and wherein the nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may be optionally oxidized, and the nitrogen heteroatom may be optionally quaternized. Heterocarbocycles include morpholinyl, pyrrolidinonyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, hydantoinyl, valerolactamyl, oxiranyl, oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, tetrahydroprimidinyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, tetrahydropyrimidinyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, and the like.

“Aryl” means an aromatic carbocyclic monocyclic or polycyclic ring such as phenyl or naphthyl. Polycyclic ring systems may, but are not required to, contain one or more non-aromatic rings, as long as one of the rings is aromatic.

As used herein, “heteroaryl” or “heteroaromatic” refers an aromatic heterocarbocycle having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and containing at least 1 carbon atom, including both mono- and polycyclic ring systems. Polycyclic ring systems may, but are not required to, contain one or more non-aromatic rings, as long as one of the rings is aromatic. Representative heteroaryls are furyl, benzofuranyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, azaindolyl, pyridyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, oxazolyl, isooxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl, thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, and quinazolinyl. It is contemplated that the use of the term “heteroaryl” includes N-alkylated derivatives such as a 1-methylimidazol-5-yl substituent.

As used herein, “heterocycle” or “heterocyclyl” refers to mono- and polycyclic ring systems having 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and containing at least 1 carbon atom. The mono- and polycyclic ring systems may be aromatic, non-aromatic or mixtures of aromatic and non-aromatic rings. Heterocycle includes heterocarbocycles, heteroaryls, and the like.

“Alkylthio” refers to an alkyl group as defined above attached through a sulfur bridge. An example of an alkylthio is methylthio, (i.e., —S—CH3).

“Alkoxy” refers to an alkyl group as defined above attached through an oxygen bridge. Examples of alkoxy include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, i-propoxy, n-butoxy, s-butoxy, t-butoxy, n-pentoxy, and s-pentoxy. Preferred alkoxy groups are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, i-propoxy, n-butoxy, s-butoxy, t-butoxy.

“Alkylamino” refers an alkyl group as defined above attached through an amino bridge. An example of an alkylamino is methylamino, (i.e., —NH—CH3).

“Alkanoyl” refers to an alkyl as defined above attached through a carbonyl bridge (i.e., —(C═O)alkyl).

“Alkylsulfonyl” refers to an alkyl as defined above attached through a sulfonyl bridge (i.e., —S(═O)2alkyl) such as mesyl and the like, and “Arylsulfonyl” refers to an aryl attached through a sulfonyl bridge (i.e., —S(═O)2aryl).

“Alkylsulfamoyl” refers to an alkyl as defined above attached through a sulfamoyl bridge (i.e., —S(═O)2NHalkyl), and an “Arylsulfamoyl” refers to an alkyl attached through a sulfamoyl bridge (i.e., —S(═O)2NHaryl).

“Alkylsulfinyl” refers to an alkyl as defined above with the indicated number of carbon atoms attached through a sulfinyl bridge (i.e. —S(═O)alkyl).

The terms “halogen” and “halo” refer to fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine.

Compounds

Compounds derivatives disclosed herein may be used for bone and cartilage growth and related applications. Derivatives of certain compounds are further exemplified below.

In certain embodiments, (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives are compounds of formula I,

or salts thereof wherein, A is a carbocyclyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl; B is a carbocyclyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl; n is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; m is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

R² is, at each occurrence, the same or different hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, mercapto, formyl, carboxy, alkanoyl, carbamoyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, (alkyl)₂-amino, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl, wherein each R² is optionally substituted with one or more, the same or different, R¹²;

R⁸ is at each occurrence, the same or different hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, mercapto, formyl, carboxy, alkanoyl, carbamoyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, (alkyl)₂-amino, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl, wherein each R⁸ is optionally substituted with one or more, the same or different, R¹²;

R⁵ is hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, mercapto, formyl, carboxy, alkanoyl, carbamoyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, (alkyl)₂-amino, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl, wherein R⁵ is optionally substituted with one or more, the same or different, R¹²;

R¹² is alkyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, mercapto, formyl, carboxy, alkanoyl, carbamoyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, (alkyl)₂-amino, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl, wherein R¹² is optionally substituted with one or more, the same or different, R¹³; and

R¹³ is halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethyl, amino, formyl, carboxy, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulfamoyl, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, acetyl, acetoxy, methylamino, ethylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, N-methyl-N-ethylamino, acetylamino, N-methylcarbamoyl, N-ethylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, N,N-diethylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl, methylthio, ethylthio, methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, mesyl, ethylsulfonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, N-methylsulfamoyl, N-ethylsulfamoyl, N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl, N,N-diethylsulfamoyl, N-methyl-N-ethylsulfamoyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl.

In certain embodiments, ring A is phenyl or pyridinyl.

In certain embodiments, ring B is phenyl or pyridinyl.

In certain embodiments, n is 1 or 2.

In certain embodiments, m is 1 or 2.

In certain embodiments, R² is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, or nitro.

In certain embodiments, R⁵ is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, R⁸ is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, or nitro.

In certain embodiments, (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives are compounds of formula IA,

or salts thereof wherein,

X is N or CR¹¹;

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, and R¹¹ are each the same or different hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, mercapto, formyl, carboxy, alkanoyl, carbamoyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, (alkyl)₂-amino, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl, wherein each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, and R¹¹ are optionally substituted with one or more, the same or different, R¹²;

R¹² is alkyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, amino, mercapto, formyl, carboxy, alkanoyl, carbamoyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, (alkyl)₂-amino, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl, wherein R¹² is optionally substituted with one or more, the same or different, R¹³; and

R¹³ is halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethyl, amino, formyl, carboxy, carbamoyl, mercapto, sulfamoyl, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, acetyl, acetoxy, methylamino, ethylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, N-methyl-N-ethylamino, acetylamino, N-methylcarbamoyl, N-ethylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, N,N-diethylcarbamoyl, N-methyl-N-ethylcarbamoyl, methylthio, ethylthio, methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, mesyl, ethylsulfonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, N-methylsulfamoyl, N-ethylsulfamoyl, N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl, N,N-diethylsulfamoyl, N-methyl-N-ethylsulfamoyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl.

Processes of Preparing Compounds

Certain compounds disclosed herein may be prepared using corresponding starting materials as illustrated in the schemes below according to the procedures in Snow & Foos, Synthesis, 2003, 4, 509-512, and Gazit et al., J. Med. Chem., 1991, 34(6), 1896-1907, or as appropriately modified. Both are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In certain embodiments, the disclosure contemplates methods of preparing compounds disclosed herein by mixing a nitrile compound and an aldehyde or ketone under conditions such that the compounds of formula I or IA are formed.

Growth Factors

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to the combined use of growth factor(s) and compounds disclosed herein such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof and one or more growth factors in bone growth applications. Typically, the growth factor is a bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), including but not limited to, BMP-1, BMP-2, BMP-2A, BMP-2B, BMP-3, BMP-3b, BMP-4, BMP-5, BMP-6, BMP-7 (OP-1), BMP-8, BMP-8b, BMP-9, BMP-10, BMP-11, BMP-12, BMP-13, BMP-14, and BMP-15. BMPs act through specific transmembrane receptors located on cell surface of the target cells.

Non-limiting examples of additional suitable growth factors include osteogenin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-II, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3, TGF-beta4, TGF-beta5, osteoinductive factor (OIF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), growth hormone (GH), growth and differentiation factors (GDF)-5 through 9, and osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1). The growth factors may be isolated from synthetic methods, recombinant sources or may be purified from a biological sample. Preferably the growth factors are obtained from a recombinant technology and for clarity certain embodiments include rhBMP-2, rhBMP-4, rhBMP-6, rhBMP-7, and rhGDF-5, as disclosed, for example, in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,877,864; 5,013,649; 5,661,007; 5,688,678; 6,177,406; 6,432,919; 6,534,268, and 6,858,431; and in Wozney, J. M., et al. (1988) Science, 242(4885):1528-1534, all hereby incorporated by reference.

In a typical embodiment, a graft composition comprises a matrix, BMP-2, and a compound disclosed herein such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salt thereof or combinations of other growth factors such as GDF-5. In one embodiment, the matrix contains an effective amount of a BMP-2 protein, an rhBMP-2 protein, functional fragments thereof, or combinations thereof. For certain embodiments, the range of concentrations of BMP-2 may be about 1.0 to 4.0 mg/ml and GDF-5 concentrations may be 0.25 to 4.0 mg/ml. Although a graft matrix may be loaded during manufacturing, it is typically loaded just prior to implantation.

The transcription of human BMP-2 is 396 amino acids in length, localized to chromosome 20p12. BMP-2 belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. The human amino acid sequence BMP-2 is SEQ ID NO:1 shown below. Amino acids 38-268 are the TGF-beta propeptide domain, and 291-396 are the TGF-beta family N-terminal domain. Amino acids 283-396 are the mature peptide. The mature form of BMP-2 contains four potential N-linked glycosylation sites per polypeptide chain, and four potential disulfide bridges. (SEQ ID NO: 1) 1 MVAGTRCLLA LLLPQVLLGG AAGLVPELGR RKFAAASSGR PSSQPSDEVL SEFELRLLSM 61 FGLKQRPTPS RDAVVPPYML DLYRRHSGQP GSPAPDHRLE RAASRANTVR SFHHEESLEE 121 LPETSGKTTR RFFFNLSSIP TEEFITSAEL QVFREQMQDA LGNNSSFHHR INIYEIIKPA 181 TANSKFPVTR LLDTRLVNQN ASRWESFDVT PAVMRWTAQG HANHGFVVEV AHLEEKQGVS 241 KRHVRISRSL HQDEHSWSQI RPLLVTFGHD GKGHPLHKRE KRQAKHKQRK RLKSSCKRHP 301 LYVDFSDVGW NDWIVAPPGY HAFYCHGECP FPLADHLNST NHAIVQTLVN SVNSKIPKAC 361 CVPTELSAIS MLYLDENEKV VLKNYQDMVV EGCGCR.

In one embodiment, bone morphogenetic protein includes one of the following synthetic peptide fragments of BMP-2: (SEQ ID NO: 2) KIPKASSVPTELSAISTLYLDDD), SEQ ID NO: 3 (CCCCDDDSKIPKASSVPTELSAISTLYL, (SEQ ID NO: 4) C₁₆H₃₁O—NH—CCCCGGGSKIPKASSVPTELSAISTLYL which may be synthesized by FMOC/tBu solid-phase peptide synthesis.

BMP-7 also belongs to the TGF-beta superfamily. It induces cartilage and bone formation. The amino acid sequence of BMP-7 is SEQ ID NO: 5. (SEQ ID NO: 5)1 MHVRSLRAAA PHSFVALWAP LFLLRSALAD FSLDNEVHSS FIHRRLRSQE RREMQREILS 61 ILGLPHRPRP HLQGKHNSAP MFMLDLYNAM AVEEGGGPGG QGFSYPYKAV FSTQGPPLAS 121 LQDSHFLTDA DMVMSFVNLV EHDKEFFHPR YHHREFRFDL SKIPEGEAVT AAEFRIYKDY 181 IRERFDNETF RISVYQVLQE HLGRESDLFL LDSRTLWASE EGWLVFDITA TSNHWVVNPR 241 HNLGLQLSVE TLDGQSINPK LAGLIGRHGP QNKQPFMVAF FKATEVHFRS IRSTGSKQRS 301 QNRSKTPKNQ EALRMANVAE NSSSDQRQAC KKHELYVSFR DLGWQDWIIA PEGYAAYYCE 361 GECAFPLNSY MNATNHAIVQ TLVHFINPET VPKPCCAPTQ LNAISVLYFD DSSNVILKKY 421 RNNVVRACGC H. Amino acids 1-29 are a potential signal sequence; 30-431 are the prepropeptide, and 293-431 are the mature protein. The mature form of BMP-7 contains four potential N-linked glycosylation sites per polypeptide chain, and four potential disulfide bridges.

Graft Compositions

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to graft compositions comprising N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof and optionally growth factor(s). In certain embodiments, these compositions may be created from polymers, bone granules, and ceramics such as calcium phosphates (e.g. hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate), bioglass, and calcium sulphate.

Bioglass refers to materials of SiO₂, Na₂O, CaO and P₂O₅ in specific proportions. The proportions differ from the traditional soda-lime glasses in lower amounts of silica (typically less than 60 mol %), higher amounts of sodium and calcium, and higher calcium/phosphorus ratio. A high ratio of calcium to phosphorus promotes formation of apatite crystals; calcium and silica ions can act as crystallization nuclei. Some formulations bind to soft tissues and bone, some only to bone, some do not form a bond at all and after implantation get encapsulated with non-adhering fibrous tissue, and others are completely absorbed overtime. Mixtures of 35-60 mol % SiO₂, 10-50 mol % CaO, and 5-40 mol % Na₂O bond to bone and some formulations bond to soft tissues. Mixtures of >50 mol % SiO₂, <10 mol % CaO, <35 mol % Na₂O typically intigrate within a month. Some CaO may be replaced with MgO and some Na₂O may be replaced with K₂O. Some CaO may be replaced with CaF₂.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a graft composition comprising compounds disclosed herein such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof and/or polysaccharides such as hyaluronate, cellulose or cellulose derivatives such as, but not limited to, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose. Typically, cellulose derivates are used in graft compositions that produce a paste or putty.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to bone graft compositions comprising a bone morphogenetic protein and N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salt thereof and a graft matrix. The matrix is typically a polymer designed to hold bone compatible salts, such as calcium phosphates, for replacement during bone growth. An example is a bovine Type I collagen embedded with biphasic calcium phosphate granules. Optionally, matrix compositions may also include one or more agents that support the formation, development and growth of new bone, and/or the remodeling thereof. Typical examples of compounds that function in, such a supportive manner include extracellular matrix-associated bone proteins such as alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin, phosphoprotein (SPP)-1, type I collagen, fibronectin, osteonectin, thrombospondin, matrix-gla-protein, SPARC, and osteopontin.

In certain embodiments, the graft matrix can be made up of a hydrogel polymer. Typically, a hydrogel is made-up of acrylate polymers and copolymers substituted with an abundance of hydrophilic groups, such as terminal hydroxyl or carboxyl groups. In certain embodiments, the graft composition is biodegradable. In certain embodiments, the matrix comprises homopolymers and copolymers consisting of gylcolide and lactide. For certain embodiments, the graft composition comprises a matrix of hydroxyethylmethacrylate or hydroxymethylmethyacrylate polymers containing hydroxyapatite in a mineral content approximately that of human bone. Such a composition may also be made with crosslinkers comprising an ester, anhydride, orthoester, amide, or peptide bond. In some embodiments, crosslinkers contain the following polymers: polyethylene glycol (PEG), polylactic acid, polyglycolide or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the graft composition may contain one or more antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory agents. Suitable antibiotics include, without limitation, nitroimidazole antibiotics, tetracyclines, penicillins, cephalosporins, carbopenems, aminoglycosides, macrolide antibiotics, lincosamide antibiotics, 4-quinolones, rifamycins and nitrofurantoin. Suitable specific compounds include, without limitation, ampicillin, amoxicillin, benzylpenicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, bacampicillin, pivampicillin, carbenicillin, cloxacillin, cyclacillin, dicloxacillin, methicillin, oxacillin, piperacillin, ticarcillin, flucloxacillin, cefuroxime, cefetamet, cefetrame, cefixine, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, ceftizoxime, latamoxef, cefoperazone, ceftriaxone, cefsulodin, cefotaxime, cephalexin, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefalothin, cefazolin, cefpodoxime, ceftibuten, aztreonam, tigemonam, erythromycin, dirithromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, clindamycin, paldimycin, lincomycirl, vancomycin, spectinomycin, tobramycin, paromomycin, metronidazole, tinidazole, ornidazole, amifloxacin, cinoxacin, ciprofloxacin, difloxacin, enoxacin, fleroxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, temafloxacin, doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, methacycline, rolitetracyclin, nitrofurantoin, nalidixic acid, gentamicin, rifampicin, amikacin, netilmicin, imipenem, cilastatin, chloramphenicol, furazolidone, nifuroxazide, sulfadiazin, sulfametoxazol, bismuth subsalicylate, colloidal bismuth subcitrate, gramicidin, mecillinam, cloxiquine, chlorhexidine, dichlorobenzylalcohol, methyl-2-pentylphenol or any combination thereof.

Suitable anti-inflammatory compounds include both steroidal and non-steroidal structures. Suitable non-limiting examples of steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds are corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, cortisol, hydroxyltriamcinolone, alpha-methyl dexamethasone, dexamethasone-phosphate, beclomethasone dipropionates, clobetasol valerate, desonide, desoxymethasone, desoxycorticosterone acetate, dexamethasone, dichlorisone, diflorasone diacetate, diflucortolone valerate, fluadrenolone, fluclorolone acetonide, fludrocortisone, flumethasone pivalate, fluosinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, flucortine butylesters, fluocortolone, fluprednidene (fluprednylidene)acetate, flurandrenolone, halcinonide, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone butyrate, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide, cortisone, cortodoxone, flucetonide, fludrocortisone, difluorosone diacetate, fluradrenolone, fludrocortisone, difluorosone diacetate, fluocinolone, fluradrenolone acetonide, medrysone, amcinafel, amcinafide, betamethasone and the balance of its esters, chloroprednisone, chlorprednisone acetate, clocortelone, clescinolone, dichlorisone, diflurprednate, flucloronide, flunisolide, fluoromethalone, fluperolone, fluprednisolone, hydrocortisone valerate, hydrocortisone cyclopentylpropionate, hydrocortamate, meprednisone, paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, beclomethasone dipropionate, and triamcinolone. Mixtures of the above steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds may also be used.

Non-limiting examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds include nabumetone, celecoxib, etodolac, nimesulide, apasone, gold, oxicams, such as piroxicam, isoxicam, meloxicam, tenoxicam, sudoxicam, the salicylates, such as aspirin, disalcid, benorylate, trilisate, safapryn, solprin, diflunisal, and fendosal; the acetic acid derivatives, such as diclofenac, fenclofenac, indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, isoxepac, furofenac, tiopinac, zidometacin, acematacin, fentiazac, zomepirac, clindanac, oxepinac, felbinac, and ketorolac; the fenamates, such as mefenamic, meclofenamic, flufenamic, niflumic, and tolfenamic acids; the propionic acid derivatives, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, benoxaprofen, flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, fenbufen, indopropfen, pirprofen, carprofen, oxaprozin, pranoprofen, miroprofen, tioxaprofen, suprofen, alminoprofen, and tiaprofenic; and the pyrazoles, such as phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, feprazone, azapropazone, and trimethazone.

Bone Grafting Methods

Bone grafting is possible because bone tissue, unlike most other tissues, has the ability to regenerate if provided the space into which to grow with appropriate chemical signals. With regard to synthetic grafts, as native bone grows, it typically replaces most or all of the artificial graft material, resulting in an integrated region of new bone. However, with regard to certain embodiments of the disclosure, it is not intended that new bone must remove all artificial material. In addition, with regard to certain embodiments of the disclosure, it is not intended that graft location need contact any other bone of the skeletal system.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to a method of forming bone comprising implanting a graft composition comprising a compound disclosed herein such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof, in a subject. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of forming bone comprising implanting a graft composition comprising a bone morphogenetic protein and compound(s) disclosed herein, such as N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivatives and (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivatives or salts thereof, in a subject. The graft may be the result of a void created by surgical removal or created as a result of an attempt to correct a physical abnormality of a bone, such as but not limited to, cranial bones; frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid; facial bones; mandible, maxilla, palatine, zygomatic, nasal, lacrimal, vomer, inferior nasal conchae; shoulder girdle; scapula or shoulder blade, clavicle or collarbone; in the thorax; sternum, manubrium, gladiolus, and xiphoid process, ribs; in the vertebral column; cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae; lumbar vertebrae; in the arms, humerus, radius, ulna; in the pelvis; coccyx; sacrum, hip bone (innominate bone or coxal bone); in the legs; femur, patella, tibia, and fibula. It is contemplated that the graft may be added for cosmetic purposes, e.g., cheek augmentation. In the case of a broken bone or removal of a bone during surgery, it may be desirable to secure movement of bone structure with a fixation system and remove the system after bone forms in the implanted graft.

With regard to prostheses, it may be desirable to grow bone between existing bone and an implanted device, or in preparation of an implanted device, such as in the case of a hip replacement, knee replacement, and dental implant, i.e., artificial tooth root used to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to three-dimensional structures made of biocompatible and biodegradable bone graft materials in the shape of the bone infused with compositions disclosed herein to promote bone growth. Implants can be used to support a number of prostheses. A typical implant consists of a titanium device. In certain embodiments, the graft compositions disclosed herein contain implants.

With regard to a sinus augmentation or alveolar ridge augmentation, surgery may be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia, oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, intravenous sedation or under local anesthesia. Bone grafting is used in cases where there is a lack of adequate maxillary or mandibular bone in terms of depth or thickness. Sufficient bone is needed in three dimensions to securely integrate with the root-like implant. Improved bone height is important to assure ample anchorage of the root-like shape of the implant.

In a typical procedure, the clinician creates a large flap of the gingiva or gum to fully expose the bone at the graft site, performs one or several types of block and onlay grafts in and on existing bone, then installs a membrane designed to repel unwanted infection-causing bacteria. Then the mucosa is carefully sutured over the site. Together with a course of systemic antibiotics and topical antibacterial mouth rinses, the graft site is allowed to heal. The bone graft produces live vascular bone and is therefore suitable as a foundation for the dental implants.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of performing spinal fusion using compositions disclosed herein. Typically this procedure is used to eliminate the pain caused by abnormal motion of the vertebrae by immobilizing the vertebrae themselves. Spinal fusion is often done in the lumbar region of the spine, but the term is not intended to be limited to method of fusing lumbar vertebrae. Patients desiring spinal fusion may have neurological deficits or severe pain which has not responded to conservative treatment. Conditions where spinal fusion may be considered include, but are not limited to, degenerative disc disease, spinal disc herniation, discogenic pain, spinal tumor, vertebral fracture, scoliosis, kyphosis (i.e, Scheuermann's disease), spondylolisthesis, or spondylosis.

In certain embodiments, different methods of lumbar spinal fusion may be used in conjunction with each other. In one method, one places the bone graft between the transverse processes in the back of the spine. These vertebrae are fixed in place with screws and/or wire through the pedicles of each vertebra attaching to a metal rod on each side of the vertebrae. In another method, one places the bone graft between the vertebrae in the area usually occupied by the intervertebral disc. In preparation for the spinal fusion, the disc is removed entirely. A device may be placed between the vertebra to maintain spine alignment and disc height. The intervertebral device may be made from either plastic or titanium or other suitable material. The fusion then occurs between the endplates of the vertebrae. Using both types of fusion are contemplated.

Cartilage Repair

Cartilage is typically composed of chondroblasts, Type I and Type II collagen fibers, elastin fibers, and proteoglycans. Typical locations within the human body to find cartilage are the joints between bones, the ear, the nose, the elbow, the knee, the ankle, and the intervertebral discs. Cartilage can become damaged because of trauma or disease. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to using compounds disclosed herein, derivatives, or salts thereof for the repair or regeneration of cartilage such as articular cartilage repair or regeneration or intervertebral disc cartilage repair or regeneration.

Articular cartilage repair is typically done to restore the cartilage on the surface of a bone, i.e., hyaline cartilage. Osteochondrial autografts or allografts may be performed. In certain embodiments, the disclosure contemplates methods of cartilage repair comprising transplanting sections of cartilage and/or bone to a location where cartilage and/or bone was removed and placing a compound disclosed herein, derivatives, or salts thereof about the surrounding area, e.g., by injections at the site of transplantation. Bone with its cartilage covering may be removed from the same or a different joint and replanted into the hole left from removing degraded bone and cartilage. The transplanted bone and cartilage are typically taken from areas of low stress.

In autologous chondrocyte implantation, cartilage cells are typically extracted arthroscopically from normal articular cartilage of the subject that is located in a nonload-bearing area, e.g., the intercondylar notch or the superior ridge of the femoral condyles, and the cells are replicated, in vitro, in the presence of growth factors. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to replicating cartilage cells comprising mixing hyaline cartilage and a compound disclosed herein, derivatives, or salts thereof, under conditions such that the cartilage cells replicate. Typically this is done by adding other growth factors to the cartilage replicating medium, e.g., cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins and/or BMP proteins. The replicated chondrocytes are implanted to the desired area, e.g., injected about the site of the area for repair optionally in combination with either a membrane or a matrix comprising growth factors such as a CDMP, BMP protein or a compound disclosed herein.

Repair of articular cartilage may be performed by marrow stimulating procedures sometimes referred to as microfracture surgery. Damaged cartilage is typically ablated by, e.g., drilling or pounding, exposing the underlying bone—sometimes referred to as a microfracture. The subchondal bone typically generates a blood clot followed by cartilage regeneration. In some embodiments the disclosure relates to methods of generating cartilage by disrupting bone underlying articular cartilage and placing a compound disclosed herein about the area of disruption, e.g., by injecting compounds disclosed herein, derivatives, or salts thereof about the site of disrupted bone for the improved repair or regeneration of cartilage optionally in combination with a growth factor such as a CDMP and/or BMP protein. Alternatively it is contemplated that the compounds are administered to the subject in a pharmaceutical composition before, during or after the procedure. In another alternative, it is contemplated that a collagen matrix is implanted at the site of the exposed underlying bone to improve chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. It is also contemplated that the subject may optionally be postoperative injected with compounds disclosed herein, hyaluronic acid, and/or mesenchymal stem cells, e.g., obtained from autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells.

Inflammation of the synovial membrane in a joint causes swelling and joint surface destruction. Removing excess fluid and material by a lavage or debridement frequently resolves arthritic knee inflammation and pain. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to the use of compounds disclosed herein, derivatives, or salts thereof before, during, or after a lavage or debridement inside a joint, e.g., arthroscopic lavage, arthroscopic debridement. In arthroscopic debridement, joint material or degenerative cartilage it typically removed by injecting a fluid and removing it with a vacuum.

An intervertebral disc (IVD) is found in between two vertebrae. The IVD contains different tissue types such as the annulus fibrosus (AF), the nucleus pulposus (NP), and end-plates. The AF is made up of mainly collagen type I. The amount of collagen type I decreases and collagen type II increase gradually nearer the NP which is mostly collagen type II dispersed within a proteoglycan-rich gelatinous matrix surrounding the NP.

Porous silk scaffolds may be used for a variety of tissue-engineering applications, such as the regeneration of bone and cartilage. Removal of sericin from silk reduces immunogenic responses. Silk may form a desired sponge-like structure by freeze-drying a silk solution. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) may be incorporated into porous silk scaffolds wrapped around a silicone NP substitute to form an artificial intervertebral disc. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that compounds disclosed herein may be used to generate a matrix of annulus fibrosus by mixing with mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors. In certain embodiments, the disclosure contemplates implanting a fabricated intervertebral disc into a subject wherein the disc comprises annulus fibrosus tissue and placing a compound disclosed herein about the site of the implant location, e.g., by injection, optionally in combination with a growth factor such as a cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein (CDMP), e.g., CDMP-1 or CDMP-2, and/or bone morphogenetic proteins, e.g., BMP-7 or BMP-14. The fabricated disc may comprise a NP area with a hydrogel polymer/copolymer matrix or a collagen and/or hyaluronan and/or chondroitin-6-sulfate copolymer. A variety of stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, synovium-derived stem cells (SDSCs), or notochord cells, may be used for rejuvenation of NP cells.

Therapeutic Applications

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds disclosed herein for therapeutic applications. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating bone degenerative disorders, such as osteoporosis, osteitis deformans (“Paget's disease of bone”), bone metastasis (with or without hypercalcaemia), multiple myeloma, primary hyperparathyroidism, or osteogenesis imperfecta. Osteoporosis is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis, the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture is disrupted, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone is altered. Osteoporosis is most common in women after menopause, when it is called postmenopausal osteoporosis, but may also develop in men, and may occur in anyone in the presence of particular hormonal disorders and other chronic diseases or as a result of medications, specifically glucocorticoids, when the disease is called steroid- or glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (SIOP or GIOP).

Osteoporotic fractures are those that occur in situations where healthy people would not normally break a bone; they are therefore regarded as fragility fractures. Typical fragility fractures occur in the vertebral column, rib, hip and wrist. The diagnosis of osteoporosis can be made using conventional radiography by measuring the bone mineral density (BMD).

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to treating bone degenerative disorders by administering pharmaceutical composition described herein in combination with other agents, such as calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, vitamine D, cholecalciferol, 1,25-dihydroxy cholecalciferol, calcitriol, estrogen, testosterone, raloxifene, pamidronate, neridronate, olpadronate, alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel), zoledronate (Zometa, Aclasta), etidronate (Didronel), clodronate (Bonefos, Loron), or tiludronate (Skelid).

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to using compounds disclosed herein, derivatives, or salts thereof in the treatment of chondrodystrophies. Typically an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound is administered to a subject diagnosed with, at risk of, or exhibiting symptoms of osteoarthritis, achondroplasia, costochondrits, relapsing polychondritis, or articular cartilage damage. The pharmaceutical compositions may provide pain relief or slow down the progression of damage delaying joint replacement (knee replacement) surgery.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to using compounds disclosed herein, derivatives, or salts thereof in the treatment of a degenerative intervertebrial disc. Typically an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound is administered to a subject diagnosed with, at risk of, or exhibiting symptoms of a degenerative disc. The compositions may be administered orally or injected directly into an intervertebral disc (IVD), e.g., into the annulus fibrosus (AF) and/or the nucleus pulposus (NP) optionally in combination with a growth factor such as a cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein (CDMP), e.g., CDMP-1 or CDMP-2, or a bone morphogenetic protein, e.g., BMP-7 or BMP-14.

Formulations

Pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein may be in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable salts, as generally described below. Some preferred, but non-limiting examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable organic and/or inorganic acids are hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid and citric acid, as well as other pharmaceutically acceptable acids known per se (for which reference is made to the references referred to below).

When the compounds of the disclosure contain an acidic group as well as a basic group, the compounds of the disclosure may also form internal salts, and such compounds are within the scope of the disclosure. When the compounds of the disclosure contain a hydrogen-donating heteroatom (e.g. NH), the disclosure also covers salts and/or isomers formed by transfer of said hydrogen atom to a basic group or atom within the molecule.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds include the acid addition and base salts thereof. Suitable acid addition salts are formed from acids which form non-toxic salts. Examples include the acetate, adipate, aspartate, benzoate, besylate, bicarbonate/carbonate, bisulphate/sulphate, borate, camsylate, citrate, cyclamate, edisylate, esylate, formate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glucuronate, hexafluorophosphate, hibenzate, hydrochloride/chloride, hydrobromide/bromide, hydroiodide/iodide, isethionate, lactate, malate, maleate, malonate, mesylate, methylsulphate, naphthylate, 2-napsylate, nicotinate, nitrate, orotate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, phosphate/hydrogen phosphate/dihydrogen phosphate, pyroglutamate, saccharate, stearate, succinate, tannate, tartrate, tosylate, trifluoroacetate and xinofoate salts. Suitable base salts are formed from bases which form non-toxic salts. Examples include the aluminium, arginine, benzathine, calcium, choline, diethylamine, diolamine, glycine, lysine, magnesium, meglumine, olamine, potassium, sodium, tromethamine and zinc salts. Hemisalts of acids and bases may also be formed, for example, hemisulphate and hemicalcium salts. For a review on suitable salts, see Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts: Properties, Selection, and Use by Stahl and Wermuth (Wiley-VCH, 2002), incorporated herein by reference.

The compounds described herein may be administered in the form of prodrugs. A prodrug can include a covalently bonded carrier which releases the active parent drug when administered to a mammalian subject. Prodrugs can be prepared by modifying functional groups present in the compounds in such a way that the modifications are cleaved, either in routine manipulation or in vivo, to the parent compounds. Prodrugs include, for example, compounds wherein a hydroxyl group is bonded to any group that, when administered to a mammalian subject, cleaves to form a free hydroxyl group. Examples of prodrugs include, but are not limited to, acetate, formate and benzoate derivatives of alcohol functional groups in the compounds. Methods of structuring a compound as prodrugs can be found in the book of Testa and Mayer, Hydrolysis in Drug and Prodrug Metabolism, Wiley (2006). Typical prodrugs form the active metabolite by transformation of the prodrug by hydrolytic enzymes, the hydrolysis of amide, lactams, peptides, carboxylic acid esters, epoxides or the cleavage of esters of inorganic acids. It is well within the ordinary skill of the art to make an ester prodrug, e.g., acetyl ester of a free hydroxyl group. It is well known that ester prodrugs are readily degraded in the body to release the corresponding alcohol. See e.g., Imai, Drug Metab Pharmacokinet (2006) 21(3):173-85, entitled “Human carboxylesterase isozymes: catalytic properties and rational drug design.”

Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the present disclosure typically comprise an effective amount of a compound and a suitable pharmaceutical acceptable carrier. The preparations may be prepared in a manner known per se, which usually involves mixing the at least one compound according to the disclosure with the one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, and, if desired, in combination with other pharmaceutical active compounds, when necessary under aseptic conditions. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,778, U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,086, U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,087 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,733 and the further references mentioned above, as well as to the standard handbooks, such as the latest edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Generally, for pharmaceutical use, the compounds may be formulated as a pharmaceutical preparation comprising at least one compound and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient and/or adjuvant, and optionally one or more further pharmaceutically active compounds.

The pharmaceutical preparations of the disclosure are preferably in a unit dosage form, and may be suitably packaged, for example in a box, blister, vial, bottle, sachet, ampoule or in any other suitable single-dose or multi-dose holder or container (which may be properly labeled); optionally with one or more leaflets containing product information and/or instructions for use. Generally, such unit dosages will contain between 1 and 1000 mg, and usually between 5 and 500 mg, of the at least one compound of the disclosure, e.g. about 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 or 400 mg per unit dosage.

The compounds can be administered by a variety of routes including the oral, ocular, rectal, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular or intranasal routes, depending mainly on the specific preparation used. The compound will generally be administered in an “effective amount”, by which is meant any amount of a compound that, upon suitable administration, is sufficient to achieve the desired therapeutic or prophylactic effect in the subject to which it is administered. Usually, depending on the condition to be prevented or treated and the route of administration, such an effective amount will usually be between 0.01 to 1000 mg per kilogram body weight of the patient per day, more often between 0.1 and 500 mg, such as between 1 and 250 mg, for example about 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, 200 or 250 mg, per kilogram body weight of the patient per day, which may be administered as a single daily dose, divided over one or more daily doses. The amount(s) to be administered, the route of administration and the further treatment regimen may be determined by the treating clinician, depending on factors such as the age, gender and general condition of the patient and the nature and severity of the disease/symptoms to be treated. Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,778, U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,086, U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,087 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,733 and the further references mentioned above, as well as to the standard handbooks, such as the latest edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences.

For an oral administration form, the compound can be mixed with suitable additives, such as excipients, stabilizers or inert diluents, and brought by means of the customary methods into the suitable administration forms, such as tablets, coated tablets, hard capsules, aqueous, alcoholic, or oily solutions. Examples of suitable inert carriers are gum arabic, magnesia, magnesium carbonate, potassium phosphate, lactose, glucose, or starch, in particular, corn starch. In this case, the preparation can be carried out both as dry and as moist granules. Suitable oily excipients or solvents are vegetable or animal oils, such as sunflower oil or cod liver oil. Suitable solvents for aqueous or alcoholic solutions are water, ethanol, sugar solutions, or mixtures thereof. Polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols are also useful as further auxiliaries for other administration forms. As immediate release tablets, these compositions may contain microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, starch, magnesium stearate and lactose and/or other excipients, binders, extenders, disintegrants, diluents and lubricants known in the art.

When administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation, the compositions may be prepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or other solubilizing or dispersing agents known in the art. Suitable pharmaceutical formulations for administration in the form of aerosols or sprays are, for example, solutions, suspensions or emulsions of the compounds of the disclosure or their physiologically tolerable salts in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, such as ethanol or water, or a mixture of such solvents. If required, the formulation may additionally contain other pharmaceutical auxiliaries such as surfactants, emulsifiers and stabilizers as well as a propellant.

For subcutaneous or intravenous administration, the compounds, if desired with the substances customary therefore such as solubilizers, emulsifiers or further auxiliaries are brought into solution, suspension, or emulsion. The compounds may also be lyophilized and the lyophilizates obtained used, for example, for the production of injection or infusion preparations. Suitable solvents are, for example, water, physiological saline solution or alcohols, e.g. ethanol, propanol, glycerol, sugar solutions such as glucose or mannitol solutions, or mixtures of the various solvents mentioned. The injectable solutions or suspensions may be formulated according to known art, using suitable non-toxic, parenterally-acceptable diluents or solvents, such as mannitol, 1,3-butanediol, water, Ringer's solution or isotonic sodium chloride solution, or suitable dispersing or wetting and suspending agents, such as sterile, bland, fixed oils, including synthetic mono- or diglycerides, and fatty acids, including oleic acid.

When rectally administered in the form of suppositories, the formulations may be prepared by mixing the compounds of formula I with a suitable non-irritating excipient, such as cocoa butter, synthetic glyceride esters or polyethylene glycols, which are solid at ordinary temperatures, but liquefy and/or dissolve in the rectal cavity to release the drug.

In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that these compositions can be extended release formulations. Typical extended release formations utilize an enteric coating. Typically, a barrier is applied to oral medication that controls the location in the digestive system where it is absorbed. Enteric coatings prevent release of medication before it reaches the small intestine. Enteric coatings may contain polymers of polysaccharides, such as maltodextrin, xanthan, scleroglucan dextran, starch, alginates, pullulan, hyaloronic acid, chitin, chitosan and the like; other natural polymers, such as proteins (albumin, gelatin etc.), poly-L-lysine; sodium poly(acrylic acid); poly(hydroxyalkylmethacrylates) (for example poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate)); carboxypolymethylene (for example Carbopol™); carbomer; polyvinylpyrrolidone; gums, such as guar gum, gum arabic, gum karaya, gum ghatti, locust bean gum, tamarind gum, gellan gum, gum tragacanth, agar, pectin, gluten and the like; poly(vinyl alcohol); ethylene vinyl alcohol; polyethylene glycol (PEG); and cellulose ethers, such as hydroxymethylcellulose (HMC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), carboxyethylcellulose (CEC), ethylhydroxyethylcellulose (EHEC), carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose (CMHEC), hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropylethylcellulose (HPEC) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na CMC); as well as copolymers and/or (simple) mixtures of any of the above polymers. Certain of the above-mentioned polymers may further be crosslinked by way of standard techniques.

The choice of polymer will be determined by the nature of the active ingredient/drug that is employed in the composition of the disclosure as well as the desired rate of release. In particular, it will be appreciated by the skilled person, for example in the case of HPMC, that a higher molecular weight will, in general, provide a slower rate of release of drug from the composition. Furthermore, in the case of HPMC, different degrees of substitution of methoxyl groups and hydroxypropoxyl groups will give rise to changes in the rate of release of drug from the composition. In this respect, and as stated above, it may be desirable to provide compositions of the disclosure in the form of coatings in which the polymer carrier is provided by way of a blend of two or more polymers of, for example, different molecular weights in order to produce a particular required or desired release profile.

Microspheres of polylactide, polyglycolide, and their copolymers poly(lactide-co-glycolide) may be used to form sustained-release protein or compound delivery systems. Proteins and/or compounds may be entrapped in the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microsphere depot by a number of methods, including formation of a water-in-oil emulsion with water-borne protein and organic solvent-borne polymer (emulsion method), formation of a solid-in-oil suspension with solid protein dispersed in a solvent-based polymer solution (suspension method), or by dissolving the protein in a solvent-based polymer solution (dissolution method). One may attach poly(ethylene glycol) to proteins (PEGylation) to increase the in vivo half-life of circulating therapeutic proteins and decrease the chance of an immune response.

EXPERIMENTAL Computer Modelling and Screening Assays

The known crystals structures of complexes of BMP-2/BMPR-IA, BMP7/Noggin and BMP-2/BMPR-IA/ActR-II and BMPR-II monomer structures were analyzed. Using these structures ternary complexes of BMP-2/BMPR-IA/BMPR-II and BMP-2/Noggin (from BMP7/Noggin) were modeled. Solvent accessibility of complexes and the monomers were computed to identify exact binding regions and the individual residues involved in binding. The entire 430 Å² surface area of Noggin that binds to BMP-2 and thus block binding of BMP to BMPR-IA and BMPR-II binding regions were analyzed. Complementary regions in BMP were also evaluated in extensive virtual screenings using LUDI docking procedures using CAP commercially available molecular databases. From in silico studies about 60 molecules were selected for in vitro cell-based screening assays and two compounds N2 and N50 were confirmed Noggin blockers (See FIG. 2-5)

Cell Culture

Mouse C2C12 cells and Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) were purchased from ATCC (Manassas, Va.). The non-heat inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS) was purchased from HyClone Laboratories, Inc. (Logan, Utah). The C2C12 cells at passages 4 to 7 were subcultured in T-75 cm2 flasks in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS at 37° C. in 5% CO2 with humidification. When the flasks reached 80% confluence, the cells were trypsinized and seeded in triplicate at 200,000 cells/well in a 6-well plate for quantitative real-time RT-PCR and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays or at 50,000 cells/well in a 12-well plate for the dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Assay

The C2C12 cells were plated at 200,000 cells/well in 6-well plates and grown overnight in DMEM containing 10% FBS. On day 2, the culture medium was replaced with DMEM containing 2% FBS and the cells were treated with 100 ng/ml of BMP-2, +/−various concentrations of the Noggin-interacting compound, and +/−100 ng/ml of Noggin for 72 hours. The cells were washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and lysed by addition of lysis buffer (10 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 1 mM MgCl2 and 0.5% Triton X-100). The cell lysates were centrifuged for 5 minutes at 13,000×g. The supernatant was removed and the aliquots were assayed for ALP activity and protein amount. The ALP activity was measured in triplicate using an ALP assay kit (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) in microtiter plates. The protein amount was determined with Bio-Rad protein assay reagent (Bio-Rad, Hercules, Calif.) using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a standard. The ALP activity (nmoles of p-nitrophenol per ml) was normalized to the protein amount (nmoles of p-nitrophenol per μg).

Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay

A BMP-specific Smad1-driven 9×GCCG (a consensus binding sequence for Smad1) reporter plasmid was used. The C2C12 cells were trypsinized and seeded in triplicate wells at 50,000 cells/well in 12-well plates on day 1. On day 2, the cells were cotransfected with the 9×GCCG-reporter construct and the renilla-luciferase control vector using SuperFect (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.) for 24 hrs. A total of 1 μg of plasmids was used for cotransfection in each well, and the concentration of renilla-luciferase vector was 1/15 of the 9×GCCG-reporter plasmid. On day 3, medium was replaced with DMEM containing 2% FBS and the cells were treated with 5 ng/ml of BMP-2, +/−various concentrations of the Noggin-interacting compound, and +/−30 ng/ml of Noggin. On day 4, the luciferase activities were measured in 20 μl of cell-lysate using the dual-luciferase assay system (Promega, Madison, Wis.) with a luminometer (LumiCount; Packard Bioscience, Meriden, Conn.) following the manufacturer's instructions. The luciferase activity was expressed as relative units of luciferase (RUL; a ratio of firefly luciferase to renilla luciferase activity).

Collagen Disc Implantation with Noggin-Blockers and BMP-2 in Rat Ectopic Model

Harlan athymic rats about 5-6 weeks of age were chest implanted with a collegan disc and doses of N50 in combination with BMP-2. After 4 weeks the rats were sacrificed and evaluated for bone growth. Certain doses showed improvement as summarized in the table below.

BMP-2 Comp'd Dose (mM) Dose (ug) Volume Carrier Results Xray Average DMSO n/a 1.5 100ul collagen Bone made (3 of 4) 3+, 4+, 4+ 2.75 and 4 1.5 100ul collagen Bone made (4 of 4) 1+, 3+, 4+, 4+ 3 #DL-N50 8 1.5 100ul collagen Bone made (2 of 4) 3+, 4+ 1.75 (Noggin 12  1.5 100ul collagen Bone made (4 of 4) 2+, 4+, 4+, 4+ 3.5 Blocker) n/a 5 100ul collagen Bone made (4 of 4) 1+, 3+, 4+, 5+ 3.25 4 5 100ul collagen Bone made (4 of 4) 2+, 5+, 5+, 5+ 4.25 8 5 100ul collagen Bone made (3 of 4) 3+, 5+, 5+ 3.25 12  5 100ul collagen Bone made (4 of 4) 4+, 5+, 5+, 5+ 4.75 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bone graft composition comprising a N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivative, (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivative or salt thereof.
 2. The bone graft composition of claim 1, wherein the N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivative, (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivative or salt thereof is covalently linked to a graft matrix
 3. The graft of claim 1 further comprising a growth factor.
 4. The graft of claim 3, wherein the growth factor is a bone morphogenetic protein.
 5. The graft of claim 4, wherein the bone morphogenetic protein is BMP-2, BMP-7, BMP-6, or BMP-9.
 6. The graft composition of claim 1 further comprising calcium phosphates.
 7. The graft composition of claim 6, wherein said calcium phosphates are hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate.
 8. The graft composition of claim 1 further comprising a collagen or hydrogel matrix.
 9. A kit comprising a N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivative, (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivative or salt thereof and a bone graft composition.
 10. The kit of claim 9 further comprising a bone morphogenetic protein.
 11. A method of forming bone comprising implanting a bone graft composition comprising a Noggin blocker optionally comprising a growth factor in a subject at a site of desired bone growth.
 12. The method of claims 11 wherein the Noggin blocker is a N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivative, (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivative or salt thereof.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivative is 3-chloro-N-(4,6-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide or salt thereof.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivative is 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the growth factor is a bone morphogenetic protein.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the bone morphogenetic protein is BMP-2, BMP-7, BMP-6, or BMP-9.
 17. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a N-(pyridin-2-yl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide derivative, (3-phenyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)acrylonitrile derivative or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 18. A method of forming bone comprising a) implanting a bone graft composition optionally comprising a Noggin blocker and optionally comprising a growth factor in a subject at a site of desired bone growth and b) administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a Noggin blocker to the subject. 